Foldable keyboard for an electronic device

Abstract

An electronic device with a full function foldable keyboard is presented and includes first, second and third body elements in an overlapping stacked alignment with one another when the device is in a closed position and a display screen constructed in at least one of said first, second and third body elements. The first and second body elements are arranged for pivotal movement with respect to one another about a first pivot axis and the third body element is arranged for pivotal movement with respect to one of the first and second body elements about a second pivot axis passing through one of the first and second body elements. A function keyboard constructed in two portions, each of which has an array of keys consistent with a selected function wherein the function keyboard is exposed for operative use when the device is in a first open position in which the first, second and third body elements are in a non-overlapping alignment with one another and are located on opposite sides of the display screen. The third body element has first and second major face surfaces oppositely disposed from one another and a keypad having an array of keys arranged consistent with a selected function is constructed in the first surface whereby the keypad and the display screen are exposed for operative usage when the device is in a second open position. A pair of spaced apart pivot bars nests the first body element and one end of each is attached to one end of the third body element for movement therewith. The second pivot axis passes through the pivot bars and the first body element. The third body element and the spaced apart pivot bars are arranged for pivotal movement with respect to the first and second body elements when the third body element is rotated between the second open position and the first open position. Several embodiments and an associated computer program are also presented.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates generally to electronic devices and more particularly with electronic devices operating in multiple applications and having keyboard functionality. The present invention more specifically deals with a full function foldable keyboard for an electronic device. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Portable electronic devices particularly mobile telephones and similar communication devices have rapidly expanded in use and function as users have demanded increasing functionality. It is common to see mobile telephones that provide Global Computer Network access, messaging, personal information management, personal digital assistant functionality, music, facsimile, gaming, in addition to telephone communication. More complex keyboards have been provided to be compatible with the more complex applications that are found in such devices. One such prior art full function keyboard arrangement is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,580,932, assigned t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] The electronic device may include a power button for powering the electronic device on and off when the device is in a close

Problems solved by technology

Although such devices are capable of providing more complex applications the arrangement limits the size of the keys and the key array of the full function keyboard and the size of the display screen.

Although such hinged arrangements for electronic devices reduce the size of the electronic device compared to non-foldable electronic devices, the area 36 in the region of the hinge 38 is otherwise wasted and unused.

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